Summary

• Actor Troy Baker, who represented Joel, believes that The Last of Us has become synonymous with narrative-driven video games.
• According to him, the game has established a new benchmark for storytelling quality within the industry.

The voice actor behind the iconic Joel Miller from The Last of Us recently discussed the game’s lasting legacy, noting its significant contribution to video game storytelling standards. He argued that the game has become a touchstone for other titles attempting to address complex narratives with profound moral dilemmas.

The storyline of The Last of Us revolves around Joel and Ellie navigating a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a zombie outbreak, highlighting their father-daughter-like bond amidst morally challenging decisions. The ending is especially contentious, sparking discussions about morality and survival.

Baker indicated during an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the game’s narrative has influenced many contemporary titles wishing to replicate its success in storytelling. Baker described The Last of Us as a brand comparable to everyday items that define their category: “it became like the fridge, it became the Kleenex.”